Even though our semester has just started, now is the perfect time to start hunting for a perfect internship or summer job. Applications for internships often close within the next month, so waiting until April to begin your search may keep you from finding the perfect fit for your interests and skill set.
Getting started with your search can be rough. Each year when I begin, I try to make a mental list of things that I’m looking for in a job so that I don’t get hung up on opportunities that seem awesome, but don’t fit what I need. For example, a lot of awesome internships are unpaid, but I never look seriously at them for the summer because I need to make money. Keep elements like location and your ideal salary in mind when you start your search.
The next step is to comb through the available positions in your interest area. An easy place to start is the Center for Experience and Opportunity (CEO) office. They can help you find a fitting organization and assist you with crafting a great resume and cover letter to make you shine in a pool of candidates.
If you’re interested in looking online, there are a ton of websites that students can sift through to find the perfect summer job. My favorites include:
Idealist– a collection of jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities all over the world
Baltimore Collegetown– great for summer or during the semester, postings of internships in the Baltimore area
Campstaff.com– Who doesn’t want to spend their summer gallivanting around the woods? A great way to connect with camps around the country
Though summer seems far off, remember that the key to snagging your perfect summer job is to start looking early!
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